As final exams approach this week, it’s difficult not to panic upon the realization that there’s only a few days left to review an entire year’s worth of learning. Thankfully, studying for finals can be a bit easier if you follow these tips:

Create a good environment for studying:

According to Post University, your studying environment plays a significant role in how well you are able to focus. It’s best to find a place dedicated to studying, whether that be at home, school, or a library. Even if you are just studying in your room, you can create a better study environment by limiting distractions, such as by putting away your phone, and by making a clean space with all study materials easily accessible.

Create a study schedule:

According to Ohio University, it’s helpful to manage your time by creating a schedule, to-do list, and setting reminders to better organize your study sessions. By setting a specific time to study a particular subject, it will be easier for you to manage your time and reach your goals without getting overwhelmed.

Utilize Short Study Sessions:

According to Ohio University, having repeated short study sessions spaced out over a long period of time is much more effective than one cram session the day before the test. One way to structure these sessions is by spending a few minutes setting a goal for the study session, studying for 30-50 minutes, taking a break for 5-10 minutes, and then reviewing what you studied for five minutes.

Take Practice Tests:

According to Cornell University, taking practice tests helps you recall information when you take the exam. In order to make the most of practice tests, take them under test conditions, such as by using the amount of time that will be given on the exam, and by not using any resources that won’t be available on the actual exam. 

Take Care of Yourself:

According to Cornell University, it’s important to take care of yourself by getting sleep, eating well, and staying hydrated. Both during study sessions and on test day, being well rested, hydrated, and nourished will allow your brain to work better.